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Types of Varicose Veins & Their Treatment Options

Varicose veins can come in many shapes and sizes, and not all varicose veins are treated the same way. Identifying the type of varicose vein a patient has is an important factor when considering treatment options. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common types of varicose veins and their underlying causes.

 

Primary Trunk Varicose Veins

These are the bulging veins that stick out quite evidently from the surface of the skin. Since these are usually part of the bigger superficial veins, such as the great saphenous vein, they can be about half an inch in size or larger. When a person with primary trunk varicose veins is standing, primary trunk varicose veins can protrude from the leg and may even be painful. Usually this type of varicose vein is related to an underlying issue and can cause complications that may lead to certain skin disorders such as ulcers or Lichen Simplex Chronicus.

Secondary or Recurrent Trunk Varicose Veins

As the name implies, secondary (or recurrent) varicose veins are veins that appear after a previous treatment. These dilated veins can appear in abundance and usually in different locations. These veins can occur due to another vein pouring in them, which can be a perforator that needs to be treated or it could be because of an incorrect treatment of the initial varicose vein. However, genetics does play a big role in the resurgence of varicose veins, and additional treatment options may be available. For example, varicose veins that were treated with older methods (such as surgery) may be better treated with a newer technique (such as ClariVein Ablation).

Reticular Veins

Bluish or greenish in appearance, these veins are most often tiny (one tenth of an inch or less). On fair skinned adults these veins are very visible but cannot be felt through normal skin. They affect about 80% of adults and rarely cause complications or any symptoms.

Telangiecstasias

Often referred to as spider veins these red and purple veins can affect up to 90% of adults. Telangiecstasias are the dilated capillaries found on the most superficial layer of skin and are not limited to the legs. In adults, they commonly occur on the face, especially around the nose.

Regardless of the type, varicose veins should always be diagnosed and treated by a vein specialist. Dr. Kaveh has been treating varicose veins for years, and is one of the few vein specialists in Las Vegas licensed to perform ClariVein Ablation. To learn more about treatment options, contact us at (702) 233-1849 today.